The effects of a shank guide on cycling biomechanics of an adolescent with cerebral palsy: a single-case study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine 3-dimensional lower-extremity joint kinematics and muscle activity during cycling with and without a shank guide for a single subject with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).


METHODS
Single case.


METHODS
Pediatric referral hospital.


METHODS
A 13-year-old adolescent with spastic diplegic CP and limited ambulation abilities.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Kinematic data were collected for 6 joint motions and electromyographic data for 7 muscles during 10- to 15-second trials. Average variability in the kinematic curves was calculated, and kinematic and electromyographic data were analyzed descriptively.


RESULTS
With the guide, the subject cycled at 40.1+/-2.0 rpm compared with 13.7+/-4.0 rpm without it. In addition, there was less variability in the kinematic curves (P=.03) and muscles tended to turn on sooner and off later. These results indicate that this subject could cycle faster with the guide, which is desirable for cardiovascular health, and that there was a possible increase in motor control due to reduced needs to control excessive joint motions.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these findings, a shank guide may allow some people with CP to cycle faster and provide improved joint kinematics.
Johnston
Therese E
TE
Research Department, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA. tjohnston@shrinenet.org
Lauer
Richard T
RT
Lee
Samuel C
SC
D000293:Adolescent; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004576:Electromyography; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*